Memphis, Shelby County Partner With Companies to Add Jobs

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(Memphis) Companies are expanding in Memphis and adding jobs because of partnerships with Memphis and Shelby County.

It's a tough job market for people like Queena Jackson, who's had trouble finding work after being laid off from her job last month.

"You have to go look and you've got to go to different temporary agencies and they don't have any work so you have to go somewhere else and call around," she said.

Jackson is excited about the possible jobs coming to the area as the company, Container Maintenance, is expanding its operations in Memphis.

"That really sounds good," she said. "It's going to help the people who do not have one. It would be easier for us really."

Wednesday, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County approved a deal for Container Maintenance.

It's a four-year pilot plan that would add close to 100 jobs that pay around $35,000 a year. Mayor A C Wharton says those are the kinds of jobs Memphians need.

"Keep in mind the whole world watches what we do here, how you treat companies that are staying and expanding here and we want to send a positive message," said Wharton.

For Memphis, that means not only attracting new business, but taking care of the ones already here, like International paper. It's under a 15-year pilot and the company says it will keep its operations here while bringing in an additional 100 jobs that each pay around $100,000 a year. It's these kinds of investments that Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell says, pays off.

"We're starting to see a paralleled growth in our economy as we're developing more jobs and successfully recruiting," he said. " We're starting to see an uptick in residential and commercial construction."